Paav Bhaji

Being a staunch Mumbaite, my taste buds always got attracted to street foods. Nothing can be compared to Mumbais famous Paav Bhaji (Bread and Mixed Vegetable Curry)! This unique street food have been my constant companion since the day I was introduced to it. Paav Bhaji is also known as a poor man's food in Mumbai because its easily affordable by them (poor). I learnt to make Paav Bhaji when I was 16 from my tutor. With globalization, one is no more destined to stick to their native place. And Paav Bhaji is one of the exotic street foods, which is famously available only in Mumbai. So, whenever I travel abroad I ensure to carry a packet of Paav Bhaji masala along with me.   

Ingredients:

Mumbaiyya Pav Bhaji

• Potatoes - 4 medium size    
• Cauliflower -1 small
• Beetroot medium (optional) -1 
• Carrot medium -2
• French Beans (Optional) - 10stk
• Tomatoes - 4 big (or one can also use 3-4 tbs of Tomato paste) 
• Onion - 3 medium 
• Capsicum (Green) - 2
• Cabbage (Optional) - Appox.200gms  
• Green Peas - 200gms 
• Green Chillies - 2 stk
• Garlic - 4-6pods
• Ginger - 2tsp
• Paav Bhaji Masala - 2-3tbs
• Chopped Coriander leaves - 2tbs
• Butter one blob 
• Lemon juice - 2tbs
• Salt to taste
• Paav or Bread 

*Instead of Garlic and Ginger, one can also use ginger-garlic paste (2-3tsp)

Preparation: 

Boil or pressure cook Potatoes (separately), Cauliflower, Beans, Carrot, Capsicum, Beetroot,  Green Peas and Cabbage. While boiling add 1tsp of Turmeric powder as it will give a good color. Plus its good for the stomach as it has anti-bacterial  agent. 

Meanwhile, blend the tomatoes, onions, ginger,garlic and green chillies in a blender until it becomes a puree. Add water if required. Now keep aside this preparation. 

Peel the potatoes and mix it with the boiled vegetables and smash it smoothly. Heat butter in a heavy bottom pan or vessel and add the tomato puree along with salt to taste. Once the puree starts boiling add the Paav Bhaji Masala. I prefer hot and spicy and go for 5-6tb spoon. Boil the preparation for some time and add the smashed vegetables and mix it throughly. Cook this for 6-7mins on a medium heat. 

Garnish the Bhaji or curry with a blob of butter (optional), finely chopped onion, coriander leaves and lemon juice (optional).

To prepare the Paav or Bread:

Heat the butter in a pan and roast the Paav or Bread until it becomes light brown. Serve the roasted Paav or Bread with the hot and delicious 'Bhaji'.

The above preparation takes around 30 minutes and serve for 3-4 people. 

PS: Sometimes I don't get the exact Paav, so I go ahead with the normal white or french bread!